Fears for gas safety as recession bites

Published 18th Feb 2009

New regulator warns of carbon monoxide poisoning risk as research suggests more customers are trying to fix their own appliances


Deaths linked to unsafe gas and electrical installations are expected to increase during the recession, with more than four in 10 people admitting they are more likely to try to mend an electrical fault or fit a new gas appliance themselves rather than employing a professional tradesman.

The research, carried out for Gas Safe Register, which replaces the Corgi gas registration scheme on 1 April as Britain's gas safety body, found that only 15% of respondents said they would always use a professional tradesman.

While 82% of those questioned considered it dangerous to fit a gas fire themselves, one in 10 were still prepared to do so.

Incorrectly fitted, badly repaired or poorly maintained gas appliances are a major cause of carbon monoxide poisoning. They can also lead to gas leaks and explosions. Carbon monoxide is odourless, and on average 25 people a year die from inhaling it. Many more ­suffer health problems from carbon monoxide exposure directly related to gas, and about 40 people a year are killed or injured in gas explosions.

Ann Robinson, Gas Safe Register's director of public awareness, said: "If anyone thinks DIY gas work can save them money, they should think again. For the sake of a few pounds, they risk endangering the life of anyone who lives in that property."

The research also found that regular servicing of gas appliances is not a priority for many households. Almost a fifth of households with a gas boiler had not had it serviced for at least three years and an alarming 13% of households had never had their boiler serviced, or would only do so if there was a problem.

Paul Overton's stepdaughter, Katie, aged 11, was killed in her sleep by carbon monoxide poisoning from a faulty gas boiler. The family was living in a rented property in Portsmouth at the time, and although the landlord had had the gas boiler checked by a registered engineer it had not been serviced for about six years.

Overton said: "We had gone to bed as normal on the Friday evening, and everything seemed OK. In the morning Katie didn't get up and we thought she was having a lie in." However, when he went to wake her, he found her face down in her bed.

Katie was pronounced dead at hospital, but it was only when the boiler began making a foul smell 10 days later that her blood was tested for carbon monoxide poisoning. "We had all been suffering symptoms without realising it," said Overton. "My wife, Katie's mum, had collapsed several times, and had had blood tests for iron deficiency, but not for carbon monoxide poisoning. Katie had been dazed at school. Even the cat went strange. Katie's bedroom was above the boiler and she always slept with her door and window closed. The fumes had ­funnelled up the pipe work."

The figures compiled for the Gas Safe Register for maintaining gas fires were even worse. Almost one in three people never serviced their gas fire, or last had it serviced or maintained over three years ago.

"We recommend you have a gas safety check once a year – or service in the case of a boiler. Some vulnerable people on means-tested benefits may be entitled to a free annual gas safety check and they should ask their energy ­supplier about this," said Robinson.

By law, from 1 April only Gas Safe Registered engineers should be employed to carry out work on gas installations or appliances – Corgi gas registration will not be valid. You can find an engineer in your area at Gas Safe Register or by calling 0800 408 5500. Registered engineers will be identified with the new yellow Gas Safe Register logo, and every engineer will carry a Gas Safe Register ID card with their own unique licence number.
Staying gas safe

Are you suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning?
Carbon monoxide is odourless and tasteless, and the early symptoms are very like flu – lethargy, dizziness, headaches and nausea – so it can be difficult to diagnose. Severe carbon monoxide poisoning makes the body turn a cherry-red colour. Unlike lack of oxygen due to choking, the body does not turn blue (cyanosis). Instead, the victim's skin will be pink or pale with bright red lips.

How can I tell if a gas appliance is working correctly?
Look at the flame: if it's bright blue, it's healthy. If it's yellowy-orange, this is evidence of a possible carbon monoxide presence. Other signs to look for include brownish-yellow stains around the appliance, pilot lights that frequently blow out and heavy condensation in the room where the appliance is installed.

What else can I do?
If you have gas appliances in your home, install an audible carbon monoxide alarm – available at any good DIY store.

The Carbon Monoxide and Gas Safety Society is running a school poster competition to raise awareness of the issue.

Source: ' Guardian '

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